CHRISTMAS is a time for helping one another – and there is plenty of support available in the local community for those who may be facing hardship over the festive period.
Local community groups, such as the Westbury Area Network (WAN) which operates the town’s food bank and community fridge, and Crosspoint, which offers financial and debt advice as well as counselling services, are appealing for local people to make use of their services if they need to, over Christmas.
Local churches are also hosting a variety of services through December where people can step out of the cold and meet a friendly face.
Food bank and community fridge
WAN is hoping to receive additional donations from supermarkets, churches and local businesses, so they can send out special Christmas food parcels and toys to those that receive food packages from the food bank. If surplus donations are received, it is expected that food will also be available to be picked up by the wider community at the Westbury Community Project on Eden Vale Road – keep an eye on their Facebook page on Christmas Eve for more details.
A WAN spokesperson says, “The foodbank continues to support our community by providing food parcels to an increasing number of recipients. Unsurprisingly, there have been regular weekly requests for foodbank support from referring agencies, but once again, our wonderful community has amazed volunteers at the foodbank by its kindness and generosity in terms of donations.
“From our large supermarkets and organisations, to independent and smaller businesses to churches, schools and individuals, donations are being made to help provide foodbank support to those who are experiencing difficult times. There have also been donations of toys which will be distributed alongside food parcels containing Christmas treats. Whilst there have been a number of donated toys for younger children, there have been fewer gifts for older children and teens.
“In previous years, there have been Christmas Eve donations of fresh produce from our local supermarkets; it is anticipated there will be similar donations this year, although it cannot be guaranteed. Collections from the supermarket can only take place late afternoon on Christmas Eve, and produce will be made up into food parcels. If, as in previous years, there is a surplus of fresh produce, this will be made available for the wider community to collect; availability will be posted on social media around 6pm Christmas Eve.”
Opening times over the holiday period
Food bank:
• Usual opening times of Monday and Thursday 10.30am to 11.45am will continue until Thursday 21st December.
• Christmas Eve Sunday 24th December, open 5.30pm for food parcel collections
• Re-opens Thursday 28th December 10.30am to 11.45am, then closed until Thursday 4th January.
Community Fridge:
• Usual opening times on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10.30am to 11.45am until Thursday 21st December
• Re-opens Thursday 28th December 10.30 to 11.45am, then closed until Thursday 4th January.
Referrals for urgent food bank support can be made by email at westburyareanetworkg@gmail.com, on 07780 072619, or by filling out the referral form on the WAN website. Please note these are not constantly attended, volunteers will respond when available.
Crosspoint – warm space, financial advice, debt advice and counselling
The holiday season is said to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for some, the cold weather, financial pressures and loneliness can make it a struggle – local charity Crosspoint wants you to know that they are here to help.
Kevin Fairman, chair of the charity says, “At Crosspoint welcome centre, we will be open to help people on the following days over the holiday season:
• 10am – 12.30pm, Friday 22nd December
• 10am – 12.30pm, Saturday 23rd December
• 13.30pm – 4pm, Wednesday 27th December
• 10am – 12.30pm, Friday 29th December
• 10am – 12.30pm, Saturday 30th December
• 1.30pm – 4pm, Wednesday 3rd January
“Some people come to Crosspoint with specific issues they want help with, including their benefits, responding to formal letters from the government and other agencies, updating their CVs, etc. But some people drop into the centre more regularly and stay longer as it’s warm in Crosspoint and home can often be cold.
“We provide a counselling service and a debt advice service in partnership with Community Money Advice. For more information, please call the Crosspoint office on 01373-824330 and leave your name and a message or email to info@crosspoint-westbury.co.uk. Peace and goodwill to all.”
Church services in Westbury during Christmas
If you are looking to get out of the cold and spend time with others in the community over Christmas, then look no further as churches across Westbury are holding services across the festive period.
Westbury Carol Service, All Saints’, Wednesday 20th December at 7pm
The church says, “We look forward to welcoming the Westbury community to our Carol Service on this evening. We are inviting representatives from some of our local community organisations to take part. Afterwards, we shall serve seasonal refreshments. All welcome.”
Family carols and Nativity Service at Holy Saviour, Westbury Leigh Community Hall, Saturday 23rd December, 4pm
The church says, “We re-tell the Christmas story with people dressed up as the characters in the story. You are welcome to come dressed as your favourite nativity character, eg, shepherd, wise man, angel, or a farm animal. This is suitable for all ages. We sing well-known carols and enjoy seasonal refreshments afterwards. All welcome.”
Christmas Eve Crib Service, All Saints’, Westbury, 4pm
The church says, “We look forward to welcoming all ages to our Crib service on Christmas Eve at All Saints’ at 4pm. We re-tell the Christmas story, sing some favourite carols, and bless the Christmas crib in the church. We invite the children to take part by putting together the crib scene. All welcome.”
Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, All Saints’ Westbury, 11.30pm
The church says, “At this special time, we gather late in the evening to welcome and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We sing favourite carols and remember Jesus by sharing bread and wine together.”
Christmas Day Holy Communion with Carols, All Saints’ Westbury, 9.30am
The church says, “We celebrate Jesus’ birth with well-known carols, readings and sharing bread and wine together. All Welcome.”
Christmas Day Holy Communion with Carols at Holy Saviour, Westbury Leigh Church at 10.00 am.
The church says, “We celebrate Jesus’ birth with well-known carols, readings and sharing bread and wine together. All welcome.”
Christmas spirit in full swing as local groups offer support over the festive period (Westbury Area Network, Christmas lights switch on) Pictured: WAN members and volunteers
Christmas spirit in full swing as local groups offer support over the festive period (Westbury Area Network, Bratton Baptist Church) Pictured: Donations from Bratton Baptist Church
Christmas spirit in full swing as local groups offer support over the festive period (ALW School of Dance) Pictured: Donations from ALW School of Dance
